Pets

We’ve been transporting pets and wildlife of all shapes and sizes since the 1950s, including some of the world’s most endangered species. So whatever the journey – our network covers 350 destinations worldwide – or whether it’s a feathered, furry or fishy friend, we offer our support, service and experience every step of the way.

We’ll make sure your animal companions are quickly relocated wherever your travels take you. Our network features 350 destinations and we are the only carrier to offer transfers to eight airports within the UK. Where possible, you can take the same flight as your pet too, but if they’re flying solo, our online tracking tool means you can keep an eye on their progress and have peace of mind.

Trusted by some of the world’s most prestigious zoos and animal charities

Over 60 years’ experience transporting live animals, including some of the world’s most endangered species

Last on, first off the aircraft ethos, meaning the minimum of noise and disruption

Dedicated team of highly-trained staff and skilled and passionate animal handlers

London Gatwick

The clearance time for pets from EU countries will be completed about two hours after your time of arrival but will take four hours for pets arriving from non-EU countries.

If transiting through London to one of the following British Airways UK destinations, Aberdeen (ABZ), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), Manchester (MAN), Newcastle (NCL), Jersey (JER) or Belfast (BFS) your pet can travel on a single booking from the origin point to the final destination where your pet will be Customs cleared on arrival.

SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum requirement for snub-nosed dogs and cats is a 10% larger container than the minimum.

The container must be strong enough to protect your pet during transport, be secure enough to contain it and have sufficient ventilation on all four sides, to ensure the air quality in the container will not deteriorate.

The door must be secured in such a manner that it will not open accidentally or your pet cannot open it during handling and transport.

Your pet's nose and paws should not be able to fit through any ventilation opening or door mesh.

The container must have a water pot and a food container accessible from the outside.

The water pot must be secured and in proportion to the size of the pet but not take up too much of the floor space.

Fibreboard, wire mesh and wicker containers are not suitable for air transportation.

These dimensions are the minimum internal dimensions, please allow extra room if you are placing a blanket or bedding into the kennel. Pets must be able to stand and sit erect without touching the top of the kennel.

You can find more information about the IATA Live Animal Regulations here.

FAQs

Q: What animals can I transport under the PETS scheme?
A: The PETS scheme applies only to domestic cats, dogs and ferrets.

Q: How do I prepare my pet for travel?
A: Prior to your journey you should give your pet only a light meal and the opportunity to urinate and defecate before it’s placed in its container.

Q: Where on the aircraft does my pet travel?
A: During the flight your pet will be stored in the aircraft's hold, where it will be safe and secure in a temperature-controlled environment. The hold is unlit as our experience shows that pets quickly settle down and travel better in the dark.

Q: How can I be certain that my pet will be allowed back into the UK?
A: Provided that your pet complies with the pre-entry requirements, there should be no difficulties when it comes to re-entry. However, it is also advisable to have your vet check that the microchip is readable, as sometimes these migrate around the body.

Q: How will you manage Guide Dogs for the blind and Assistance Dogs for the deaf and disabled?
A: For information on travelling with guide dogs or assistance dogs with British Airways, please click here or for Iberia, click here.